Windows 8.1 Update 1 Release Apparently Delayed

Microsoft’s “Spring” update for Windows was initially believed to ship in March. From all the rumors we have heard over the past couple of weeks, it was held that Windows 8.1 update 1 release will come around the second week of next month. Apparently the release has now been delayed to April, with Microsoft planning to distribute it on a Patch Tuesday, this would mean that instead of March 11th, Windows 8.1 update 1 release will take place on April 8th.

Obviously there’s no confirmation from Microsoft on this, so a grain of salt is definitely advised. Mary Jo Foley of CNET claims to have heard about this release date change from two of her sources within the past week. Windows 8.1 update 1 is going to bring a handful of new features and improvements. Recently a pre-release build of the update was leaked online, confirming much of what had already been rumored. Users can expect to get the ability to pin Metro apps on the desktop task bar, ability to bypass Start screen and boot straight into the desktop as well as new right-click enabled context sensitive menus. It is not entirely clear why Microsoft has moved the Windows 8.1 update 1 release date by almost one month, though the company is still expected to roll it out to OEMs early next month.